Seeds - The Promise of Life

I'm feeling lazy today. I have only 45 tomatoes and 6 trays of sweet and hot peppers started. I really need to start 2-3 more varieties of tomatoes and 2 varieties of peppers soon! But it is snowing and I'm feeling like reading a book instead of tromping out to my greenhouse to get more pots.
I like to start my seeds in pots that I've placed on a heat mat. The heat gives the little seedlings a boost. They can be purchased in gardening catalogs, and, I'm sure, nurseries.

After the seedlings appear I take them off of the heat mats and put them about 2 inches from grow lights that I've suspended from a metal shelf (purchased at Costco). As they grow, I lower them down so that they are always about 2-6 inches below the lights.

I learned the hard way that starts don't like to be in a warm room. They get leggy really fast. So I keep my operation in my garage that is about 50-60 degrees.

I also learned that if you put kelp in the water or soil, the seedlings grow stronger root systems and therefore the plant is healthier, stronger.

I put a picture here of my newest "toy". It is a pesticide sprayer. Of course, I avoid all pesticides, but have just been introduced to this handy-dandy tool as a great watering system. You can purchase them at Walmart for $9-$15. I've been delighted with the ease this allows my watering time. It is gentle on the little seedlings and is tidier than a water can or dipping system.

Let me know what you are starting and how! - Nanette